As Executive Director of University of New Mexico – Los Alamos, I want to outline the benefits to the UNM-Los Alamos campus of General Obligation Bond “C” in the Nov. 6 General Election, and why it makes sense to the citizens of Los Alamos.
If Bond C passes in the Nov. 6 General Election, the University of New Mexico Los Alamos will receive $500,000 for renovations and upgrades to its science labs (biology, physics and chemistry).
Bond projects have a positive impact on local economies as the money spent recycles several times, and the construction projects create jobs.
Construction workers eat shop and stay in the community, and construction companies buy materials from local vendors. This influx of business puts gross receipt and lodgers’ tax dollars into local coffers. Those who do not have a direct stake in higher education in Los Alamos still benefit from the shot in the arm to the local economy.
These laboratory improvements also help UNM-LA remain competitive with other New Mexico schools. This contributes to enrollment growth and better educational opportunities for the people of our region. Keeping higher education in Los Alamos County competitive encourages more area graduating high school seniors to remain in New Mexico to attend college – and to stay to pursue careers and further contribute to the vitality of the area. With a larger tax base, tax rates can be kept lower while other community assets can be improved.
Since other bonds are expiring this year, the net increase to taxpayers is zero.
With absentee voting having begun Oct. 9 and early voting on Oct. 20, please send a message to New Mexico that Los Alamos County takes a back seat to no one when it comes to higher education.
Thank you for helping to support the future of higher education in Los Alamos.
Cedric Page
UNM-LA Executive Director